How to: Plan the perfect holiday party

Holidays & Entertaining

How to: Plan the perfect holiday party

Whether it's an ugly sweater office party or your annual turkey curry buffet, every savvy hostess knows that planning ahead is the key to a successful holiday party. Use the handy to-do list below to stay organized.

1 Make a party planner timeline

One month beforeMake master list of everything that needs to be done before the partyPick, purchase and post invitationsHire any caterers and bartenders

Two weeks beforePlan menuWrite out grocery listsMake sure you have all necessary dishware, glassware and servingware

Seven days beforePick up liquorRent or borrow any dishwareThree or four days beforeGrocery shop (except for meat, fish and other perishables that need to remain fresh)One or two days beforeClean housePurchase and set out flowers

One day beforeMake list of what you’re cooking, breaking every dish down into specific tasksGrocery shop for meat, fish and other perishablesDo any advance cooking and food prep, like baking make-ahead dessertsSet table

Day ofCook mealTidy up any small last-minute messes

2 What's your budget

HIGH: CatererHave a caterer prep and serve the food to cut out a major source of the work.

Budget tip: Just have the caterer drop off the food and serve it yourself.

MEDIUM: Bartenders and ServersDo the cooking and prep work yourself, and then have someone serve the food and drinks and clear the dirty dishes.

Budget tip: Pay a young family member or neighbour to help serve.

LOW: Dish rentalsCut down on cleanup duty by renting dishware. Plus, you won't have to worry about running out of glassware or cutlery.

3 Calculate quantities

ALCOHOL: 1 drink per person per hourLook online for a calculator to figure out the percentages of beer, wine or spirits you’ll need.

HORS D’OEUVRES: 3 per person per hourHave a mix of sweet and savoury, and keep it simple.

ICE: 1 pound per guestSet out tubs of ice and bottled drinks so guests can help themselves.

BARTENDERS: 1 per 50 peoplePaying for a bartender is worth it. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck mixing drinks all night.

SERVERS: 1 per 15 guestsAsk the servers to dress in a way that suits the event – they should blend into the party.

4 Clean the house

PRE-PARTY

Don’t have a lot of time? Focus on cleaning only places that will be visible to guests.

Remove any valuable rugs and furniture that you don’t want to risk getting stained.

Empty the dishwasher so you can pop in dishes all evening and avoid counter clutter.

Put decorative coasters on coffee tables and side tables to avoid water rings.

Line your kitchen trash with two bags so you don’t have to get out another bag.

DURING THE PARTY

Contain the mess of dirty dishes in a dedicated area that isn’t visible to guests.